Washington Spirit FC’s goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury (1) blocks a goal attempt by Bay FC’s Deyna Castellanos (10) during the first half of their match at PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif., on Saturday, July 6, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE — Bay FC is heading into the NWSL’s Olympic break with no additional points after a 3-0 home loss to the Washington Spirit Saturday night.
The visitors overwhelmed the home team early on before 11,384 at PayPal Park, swarming in attack and earning a free kick within the first few minutes of play. Makenna Morris took advantage for Washington, burying a loose ball in front of the net in the fourth minute.
Spirit continued to press in the attacking third, and it paid off again in the 21st minute. After a Bay FC foul in the box, Trinity Rodman stepped up and buried the penalty kick for Washington, giving Spirit an early two-goal lead.
Bay FC generated numerous chances in the remainder of the first half, including a one-on-one for Deyna Castellanos inside the box. But Castellanos couldn’t convert her chance, and other opportunities – including three corner kicks – failed to bear fruit.
Ouleymata Sarr added a goal for Washington in the 57th minute, effectively sealing the outcome.
The loss drops Bay FC to 6-0-10 in its inaugural season and snaps a two-match winning streak. Spirit improved to 11-1-4.
Despite the defeat, Bay FC remains in playoff position, sitting eighth in the NWSL standings. The NWSL will now break for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Bay FC returns to the pitch for the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup starting on July 20 against San Diego Wave FC.
Originally published at Christian Babcock